Numerical

Methods
 Prior Knowledge Check
1) Given that , evaluate: 3) Given that , and that , find the
values of , and .

a) b)
𝑢1= 2 𝑢2 =2 .5 𝑢3 =2 . 9
3 . 25 11. 24
2) Find given that:

′ 3 15
𝑓 ( 𝑥 )= +8 𝑥+
a) 2√𝑥 𝑥
4

b)
′ 5 −𝑥
c) 𝑓 ( 𝑥 )= −7 𝑒
𝑥+ 2

′ 2
𝑓 ( 𝑥 )=𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥+2 𝑥𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥+4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥
Teachings for
Exercise 10A
 Numerical Methods 𝑦 𝑦 = 𝑓 (𝑥 )
1
You need to be able to use numerical
methods to locate roots of equations

If the function is continuous on the

interval and and have opposite signs, 𝑥
then has at least one root which satisfies -3 -2 -1 1 2 3

The diagram shows a sketch of the curve

where -1

a) Explain how the graph shows that

has a root between and . Since the graph crosses the x-
axis between and , there must
be a root in that interval
b) Show that has a root between and

10A
 Numerical Methods 𝑦 𝑦 = 𝑓 (𝑥 )
1
You need to be able to use numerical
methods to locate roots of equations

If the function is continuous on the

interval and and have opposite signs, 𝑥
then has at least one root which satisfies -3 -2 -1 1 2 3

The diagram shows a sketch of the curve

where -1

a) Explain how the graph shows that Sub in these two values and show that
has a root between and . there is a change of sign…
3 2
𝑓 ( 𝑥 ) =𝑥 − 4 𝑥 + 3 𝑥 +1
b) Show that has a root between and Sub in Sub in

𝑓 ( 1. 4 ) =0 . 104 𝑓 ( 1. 5 ) =− 0 .125
Since there is a change of sign, there
must be a root in the interval

10A
 Numerical Methods
You need to be able to use numerical
methods to locate roots of equations

It is important to consider the number of

roots that are possible, and be careful of
some special cases…
𝑦 𝑦 𝑦

𝑥 𝑥 𝑥

𝑎 𝑏 𝑎 𝑏 𝑎 𝑏
Comparing and there is a change of Comparing and there is no change of Comparing and there is a change of
sign sign sign
 There can be an odd number of roots  There can be an even number of roots  There could be no roots
 Numerical Methods
𝑦
You need to be able to use numerical
methods to locate roots of equations 1

The graph of the function

𝑥
is shown in the diagram. 1 2

A student observes that and are both

negative and states that has no roots in -1
the interval

If there is no sign change, although there

a) Explain, referring to the diagram, why could be no roots, it is also possible that
the student is incorrect there are 2, 4, 6, or any even number
amount

b) Calculate , and and use your answer  From the diagram, since the curve
to explain why there are at least 3 crosses that axis 3 times, it is possible that
roots in the interval . there are actually 2 roots in the interval
given

10A
 Numerical Methods
𝑦
You need to be able to use numerical
methods to locate roots of equations 1

The graph of the function

𝑥
is shown in the diagram. 1 2

A student observes that and are both

negative and states that has no roots in -1
the interval
𝑓 ( 1. 1 )=−0 . 476
Sign
a) Explain, referring to the diagram, why 𝑓 ( 1. 3 )=0 . 088 change
Sign
the student is incorrect 𝑓 ( 1. 5 ) =− 0 .5 change
Sign
𝑓 ( 1. 7 )=0 . 352 change
b) Calculate , and and use your answer
to explain why there are at least 3  In the intervals given, there are 3 sign
roots in the interval . changes
 That means there are at least 3 roots in the
overall interval, 10A
 Numerical Methods 1
𝑦 𝑦=
𝑥

You need to be able to use numerical

methods to locate roots of equations
𝑦 =𝑙𝑛𝑥

a) Using the same axes, sketch the

graphs of and . Explain how your 𝑥
diagram shows that the function
has only one root -3 -2 -1 1 2 3

b) Show that this root lies in the interval

c) Given that the root of , show that

correct to 3 decimal places The roots of an equation are where it is equal to 0.
1
𝑙𝑛𝑥 − =0
𝑥
Add
1
𝑙𝑛𝑥 =
𝑥
So the roots of the equation will be where the
graphs cross, and we can see that they only cross
in one place
10A
 Numerical Methods 1
𝑦 𝑦=
𝑥

You need to be able to use numerical

methods to locate roots of equations
𝑦 =𝑙𝑛𝑥

a) Using the same axes, sketch the

graphs of and . Explain how your 𝑥
diagram shows that the function
has only one root -3 -2 -1 1 2 3

b) Show that this root lies in the interval

c) Given that the root of , show that

correct to 3 decimal places 1
𝑓 ( 𝑥 ) =𝑙𝑛𝑥 −
𝑥
Sub in Sub in

𝑓 ( 1. 7 )=− 0 . 0576 𝑓 ( 1. 8 )=0 . 0322

Since the function is continuous across , and there
is a change of sign, the root must be within this
interval
10A
 Numerical Methods 1
𝑦 𝑦=
𝑥

You need to be able to use numerical

methods to locate roots of equations
𝑦 =𝑙𝑛𝑥

a) Using the same axes, sketch the

graphs of and . Explain how your 𝑥
diagram shows that the function
has only one root -3 -2 -1 1 2 3

b) Show that this root lies in the interval

c) Given that the root of , show that

correct to 3 decimal places  If the root rounds to 1.753 to 3dp, then it must
be in the range 1.7525 to 1.7535

Root lies here

1 .752 1 .753 1 .754

 You need to sub in these limits and show that

there is a change of sign between them…
10A
 Numerical Methods 1
𝑦 𝑦=
𝑥

You need to be able to use numerical

methods to locate roots of equations
𝑦 =𝑙𝑛𝑥

a) Using the same axes, sketch the

graphs of and . Explain how your 𝑥
diagram shows that the function
has only one root -3 -2 -1 1 2 3

b) Show that this root lies in the interval

c) Given that the root of , show that

correct to 3 decimal places 1
𝑓 ( 𝑥 ) =𝑙𝑛𝑥 −
𝑥
Sub in Sub in

¿ − 0 . 00064 ¿ 0 .00024
Since the function is continuous across , and there is a
change of sign, the root must be within this interval – it
must therefore round to 1.753 to 3dp!
10A
Teachings for
Exercise 10B
 Numerical Methods
Let’s use this formula to calculate
You need to be able to solve

( )
equations of the form by 1 𝑎 Let our first guess
using the process of iteration 𝑥𝑛 +1 = 𝑥𝑛+ of , , be equal to 0.5
2 𝑥𝑛
We are finding the

2( ( 0 .5) )
Iteration is a process where a 1 3 square root of 3, so
𝑥𝑛 +1 = (0 . 5)+
calculation is repeated multiple
times, and each time the answer Calculat
closes in on a specific value. 𝑥𝑛 +1 =3 . 25 e

How does a calculator calculate a

square root, for example? 𝑥𝑛 +1 =
1
2(𝑥𝑛+
𝑎
𝑥𝑛 ) Perform the
calculation again,
but use the newly
𝑥𝑛 +1 =
1
2(𝑥𝑛+
𝑎
𝑥𝑛 ) The 𝑥𝑛 +1
2(
1
= (3 . 25)+
(3 .25) )
3
calculated value
instead…
number
we are Calculate
The ‘next’ The rooting
𝑥𝑛 +1 =2 .087
number ‘current’
number

10B
 Numerical Methods
Keep repeating these calculations, each time
You need to be able to solve using the newly-calculated value…
equations of the form by
using the process of iteration 𝑥 0=0 .5
𝑥1 =3 . 25
Iteration is a process where a
calculation is repeated multiple 𝑥 2=2 . 087 …
times, and each time the answer
closes in on a specific value.
𝑥 3=1 .7621 …

How does a calculator calculate a 𝑥 4=1. 7323 …

square root, for example?
𝑥5 =1 .7320 …
𝑥𝑛 +1 =
1
2(𝑥𝑛+
𝑎
𝑥𝑛 ) The
This process has given us the square root of 3
(and to improve the accuracy, you can just keep
number
doing more iterations!)
we are
The ‘next’ The rooting  A calculator can follow this process and do
number ‘current’
several iterations very quickly…
number

10B
 Numerical Methods
But how does this process work?
You need to be able to solve
equations of the form by  Start with , since this is what we were calculating…
using the process of iteration
𝑥=√ 3
Square both
2
Iteration is a process where a 𝑥 =3 sides
calculation is repeated multiple 1 2 3 Divide all by 2
times, and each time the answer 𝑥 =
2 2
closes in on a specific value. Add to both sides
2 1 2 3
𝑥 = 𝑥 +
2 2
How does a calculator calculate a Divide all by
1 3
square root, for example? 𝑥= 𝑥+
2 2𝑥
Factorise out of the right side

( 𝑎
) ( )
1 1 3
𝑥𝑛 +1 = 𝑥𝑛+ 𝑥= 𝑥+
2 𝑥
2 𝑥𝑛
 The solution to this equation will be the same as the
solution to the original one

 These can be found by drawing graphs of each one

and finding where they cross…
10B
𝑥 0=0 .5
𝑥1 =3 . 25
𝑥 2=2 . 087 …
𝑥 3=1 .7621 …
𝑥 4=1. 7323 …
Numerical Methods
𝑦 =𝑥
𝑥5 =1 .7320 … 1
𝑦 = 𝑥+
2 (3
𝑥 )
You need to be able to solve 𝒙=𝟑 . 𝟐𝟓
equations of the form by
using the process of iteration

𝑥=
1
2(𝑥+
3
𝑥 ) 𝒙=𝟐 . 𝟎𝟖𝟕
𝒙=𝟏 . 𝟕𝟔𝟐𝟏

𝑦 =𝑥 𝑦=
1
2
𝑥+(3
𝑥 )
1) We choose a value for (in this case
we chose 0.5), and sub it into the
equation on the right side (the blue
line)

𝒙 =𝟑 . 𝟐𝟓
𝒙 =𝟏 . 𝟕𝟔𝟐𝟏
𝒙 =𝟎 . 𝟓

𝒙 =𝟐 . 𝟎𝟖𝟕
2) The answer () is the next value () we
substitute in. Since the red line is ,
we can show this on the diagram
4) Gradually we close in on the
3) We then substitute this into the intersection, which is the solution to the
equation on the right side again (the original equation, in this case
blue line) 10B
 Numerical Methods
The diagram you just saw is sometimes called a convergence
cobweb, and can appear in different types…

It is important to note
that sometimes this
technique causes an
answer to diverge away
from the solution instead
of towards it

 In that case, the ‘fix’ is

usually to choose a
different starting value…
10B
 Numerical Methods
You need to be able to solve 2
𝑓 ( 𝑥 ) =𝑥 − 4 𝑥+1
equations of the form by Set
using the process of iteration 2
0=𝑥 − 4 𝑥 +1
Add and subtract 1
Given that 2
4 𝑥 −1=𝑥
Divide all by
1
4 − =𝑥
a) Show that the equation can be 𝑥
written as , .
 When rearranging, you should look at the
formula you are aiming for first…
The equation has a root, , in the  This can give you an idea as to how to do the
interval . rearrangement

b) Use the iterative formula

, with to find the value of , and .

10B
 Numerical Methods
1 1
You need to be able to solve 𝑥𝑛 +1 =4 − 𝑥 =4 −
Write using 𝑛 +1
𝑥𝑛 𝑥𝑛 Write using
equations of the form by the specific the specific
using the process of iteration 1 terms 1 terms
𝑥1 =4 − 𝑥 2=4 −
𝑥0 Sub 𝑥1 Sub
Given that 1 values 1 values
𝑥1 =4 − in 𝑥 2=4 − in
3 3 . 66 …
Calculate Calculate
a) Show that the equation can be 𝑥1 =3 . 66 … 𝑥 2=3 . 727 …
written as , .

1
The equation has a root, , in the 𝑥𝑛 +1 =4 −
𝑥𝑛 Write using
interval . the specific
1 terms
𝑥 3=4 −
𝑥2
Sub
b) Use the iterative formula 1 values
, with to find the value of , and . 𝑥 3=4 − in
3 . 727 …
Calculate
𝑥 3=3 . 731 …

10B
 Numerical Methods
3 2
𝑓 ( 𝑥 ) =𝑥 −3 𝑥 − 2 𝑥 +5
You need to be able to solve
Sub in Sub in
equations of the form by
using the process of iteration
𝑓 ( 3 ) =−1 𝑓 ( 4 )=13
Since the function is continuous, and there is a
change of sign, there must be a root in the interval
a) Show that the equation has a
root in the interval

b) Use the iterative formula:

To calculate the values of , and ,

giving answers to 4 decimal
places, when:
i) ii)

10B
 Numerical Methods

√ √
𝑥 3𝑛 − 2 𝑥 𝑛 +5
3
You need to be able to solve 𝑥 𝑛 − 2 𝑥 𝑛 +5
𝑥𝑛+1 = 𝑥𝑛+1 =
equations of the form by 3 Sub 3

√
Sub

√
using the process of iteration in
3
(1 .5) −2 (1 .5)+5 (1 .3385)3 − 2(1 . 3385)+5 in
𝑥1 = 𝑥 2=
3 Work 3 Work
out out
𝑥1 =1 .3385 𝑥 2=1 .2544

b) Use the iterative formula:

𝑥𝑛+1 =
√
𝑥 3𝑛 − 2 𝑥 𝑛 +5
3 Sub

√
3 in
To calculate the values of , and , (1 .2544) −2(1. 2544)+5
giving answers to 4 decimal
𝑥 3=
3 Work
places, when: out

i) ii) 𝑥 3=1 . 2200

In this case, the solutions are getting closer to a

root. This sequence is therefore convergent.

10B
 Numerical Methods

√ √
𝑥 3𝑛 − 2 𝑥 𝑛 +5
3
You need to be able to solve 𝑥 𝑛 − 2 𝑥 𝑛 +5
𝑥𝑛+1 = 𝑥𝑛+1 =
equations of the form by 3 Sub 3 Sub

√ √
using the process of iteration 3 in 3
(4) −2(4)+5 (4. 5092) − 2(4 . 5092)+5 in
𝑥1 = 𝑥 2=
3 Work 3 Work
out out
𝑥1 =4 .5092 𝑥 2=5 . 4058

b) Use the iterative formula:

𝑥𝑛+1 =
√
𝑥 3𝑛 − 2 𝑥 𝑛 +5
3 Sub

√
3 in
To calculate the values of , and , (5 . 4058) − 2(5. 4058)+5
giving answers to 4 decimal
𝑥 3=
3 Work
places, when: out

i) ii) 𝑥 3=7 . 1219

In this case, the solutions are getting further to a

root. This sequence is therefore divergent.

10B
Teachings for
Exercise 10C
 Numerical Methods
𝑓 (𝑥) 𝑓 (𝑥)
𝐴
The Newton-Raphson method
is another technique you can

𝐴
use to find roots of equations

𝑡 𝑎𝑡
of the form 𝑓 ( 𝑥 1)

𝑔𝑒𝑛
𝑇 𝑎𝑛
Start with a curve , with a root as
shown 𝑥
𝑟 𝑜𝑜𝑡 𝑥 4 𝑥3 𝑥2 𝑥1

 Choosing a ‘first guess’ of the  Labelling this point on the curve ,

value of the root, , we can then we can draw a tangent at the curve
label some more information… at , which then intersects the x-axis

 The vertical distance from the  Notice that the new intersection is
x-axis to the curve for our chosen closer to the root than our first guess
value, , is
 Look what happens if we follow this
(by subbing the value into the
equation of the line) process repeatedly…
 We get closer to the actual root!
10C
 Numerical Methods
𝑓 (𝑥) 𝑓 (𝑥)
𝐴
The Newton-Raphson method
is another technique you can

𝐴
use to find roots of equations

𝑡 𝑎𝑡
of the form 𝑓 ( 𝑥 1)

𝑔𝑒𝑛
𝑇 𝑎𝑛
However, we need to create an
algebraic method for this (it will 𝑥
naturally be iterative since, as 𝑟 𝑜𝑜𝑡 𝑥2 𝑥1
you just saw, it is a repeating
process)
Gradient of the tangent (1) Gradient of the tangent (2) 𝑓 ( 𝑥 1)
= 𝑓 ′ ( 𝑥1 ) Multiply by ,
𝑥 1 − 𝑥2
 Using the triangle , we can  We can also use calculus, by divide by
calculate differentiating and 𝑓 ( 𝑥 1)
substituting in =𝑥 1 − 𝑥 2
𝑓 ′ ( 𝑥 1) Add ,
𝑓 ( 𝑥1 )
¿ ¿ 𝑓 ′ ( 𝑥1 ) 𝑓 ( 𝑥 1) subtract
𝑥1 − 𝑥2 𝑥 2=𝑥1 −
𝑓 ′ ( 𝑥 1)
These expressions must be equal, since
they both represent the same gradient…
10C
 𝑓 ( 𝑥𝑛)
𝑥𝑛+1 =𝑥 𝑛 −
𝑓 ′ ( 𝑥𝑛)

Numerical Methods
𝑓 (𝑥) 𝑓 (𝑥)
𝐴
The Newton-Raphson method
is another technique you can

𝐴
use to find roots of equations

𝑡 𝑎𝑡
of the form 𝑓 ( 𝑥 1)

𝑔𝑒𝑛
𝑇 𝑎𝑛
This is the Newton-Raphson
formula: 𝑥
𝑟 𝑜𝑜𝑡 𝑥2 𝑥1
𝑓 ( 𝑥 1)
𝑥 2= 𝑥1 −
𝑓 ′ ( 𝑥 1)
For iteration, it is written as
follows…
𝑓 ( 𝑥𝑛)
𝑥𝑛 +1 =𝑥 𝑛 −
𝑓 ′ ( 𝑥𝑛)

10C
 𝑓 ( 𝑥𝑛)
𝑥𝑛+1 =𝑥 𝑛 −
𝑓 ′ ( 𝑥𝑛)

Numerical Methods 𝑓 (𝑥)

𝑓 (𝑥)

The Newton-Raphson method

is another technique you can
use to find roots of equations
of the form

There are some cases where the

Newton-Raphson method may be
less effective, or fail completely

Suppose we chose a ‘first guess’ ,

which corresponds to a value on the
curve close to a turning point…

 In this case, the tangent drawn 𝑥1

would lead to a point much further 𝑥
from the actual roots

 The method can still work, but it

𝑡 𝐴
could take many iterations to be 𝑛𝑔 𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑎
effective 𝑇𝑎
𝐴
10C
 𝑓 ( 𝑥𝑛)
𝑥𝑛+1 =𝑥 𝑛 −
𝑓 ′ ( 𝑥𝑛)

Numerical Methods 𝑓 (𝑥)

𝑓 (𝑥)

The Newton-Raphson method

is another technique you can
use to find roots of equations
of the form

There are some cases where the

Newton-Raphson method may be
less effective, or fail completely

Suppose we chose a ‘first guess’ ,

which corresponds to a value which is
at a turning point

 In this case, the tangent drawn will 𝑥1

never intersect the x-axis, so the 𝑥
method fails

 If leads to a turning point, then ,

and we cannot divide by 0 (check
𝑇 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑎𝑡 𝐴
the formula above)
𝐴
10C
 𝑓 ( 𝑥𝑛)
𝑥𝑛+1 =𝑥 𝑛 −
𝑓 ′ ( 𝑥𝑛)

Numerical Methods 𝑦
𝑦 = 𝑓 (𝑥 )

The Newton-Raphson method

is another technique you can
use to find roots of equations
of the form
𝑝
𝑥
The diagram shows part of the
curve with equation , where .
The point , with x-coordinate , is a
stationary point on the curve. 𝐴
The equation f(x)=0 has a root, ,
in the interval . The value is not appropriate to use
since, as it is a turning point, , and we
cannot divide by 0
a) Explain why is not suitable to
use as a first approximation to
when applying the Newton-
Raphson method to

10C
 𝑓 ( 𝑥𝑛)
𝑥𝑛+1 =𝑥 𝑛 −
𝑓 ′ ( 𝑥𝑛)

Numerical Methods 𝑦
𝑦 = 𝑓 (𝑥 )

The Newton-Raphson method

is another technique you can
use to find roots of equations
of the form
𝑝
𝑥
The diagram shows part of the
curve with equation , where .
The point , with x-coordinate , is a
stationary point on the curve. 𝐴
The equation f(x)=0 has a root, ,
in the interval . To apply the Newton-Raphson
procedure, we first need to find
3 2
b) Using as a first approximation 𝑓 ( 𝑥 ) =𝑥 + 2 𝑥 −5 𝑥 − 4 Differentiate
to , apply the Newton-Raphson with respect
method procedure twice to find a 2 to
new approximation for , to 3dp. 𝑓 ′ ( 𝑥 ) =3 𝑥 + 4 𝑥 − 5

10C
 𝑓 ( 𝑥𝑛)
𝑥𝑛+1 =𝑥 𝑛 −
𝑓 ′ ( 𝑥𝑛)

Numerical Methods
3 2 2
The Newton-Raphson method 𝑓 ( 𝑥 ) =𝑥 + 2 𝑥 −5 𝑥 − 4 𝑓 ′ ( 𝑥 ) =3 𝑥 + 4 𝑥 − 5
is another technique you can
use to find roots of equations
of the form

𝑓 ( 𝑥𝑛)
𝑥𝑛+1 =𝑥 𝑛 −
The diagram shows part of the 𝑓 ′ ( 𝑥𝑛)
Write using the appropriate
curve with equation , where .
numbers (if needed)
𝑓 ( 𝑥0)
The point , with x-coordinate , is a 𝑥1 =𝑥0 −
stationary point on the curve. 𝑓 ′ ( 𝑥0) Sub into both , on the
numerator, and , on the
3 2
The equation f(x)=0 has a root, , (2) +2 (2) −5 (2)− 4 denominator
in the interval . 𝑥1 =2 − 2
3(2) + 4 (2)−5

𝑥1 =1 .8666 …
b) Using as a first approximation
to , apply the Newton-Raphson
method procedure twice to find a
new approximation for , to 3dp.

10C
 𝑓 ( 𝑥𝑛)
𝑥𝑛+1 =𝑥 𝑛 −
𝑓 ′ ( 𝑥𝑛)

Numerical Methods
3 2 2
The Newton-Raphson method 𝑓 ( 𝑥 ) =𝑥 + 2 𝑥 −5 𝑥 − 4 𝑓 ′ ( 𝑥 ) =3 𝑥 + 4 𝑥 − 5
is another technique you can
use to find roots of equations 𝑥1 =1 .8666 …
of the form

𝑓 ( 𝑥𝑛)
𝑥𝑛+1 =𝑥 𝑛 −
The diagram shows part of the 𝑓 ′ ( 𝑥𝑛)
Write using the appropriate
curve with equation , where .
numbers (if needed)
𝑓 ( 𝑥 1)
The point , with x-coordinate , is a 𝑥 2= 𝑥1 −
stationary point on the curve. 𝑓 ′ ( 𝑥 1)
3 2
The equation f(x)=0 has a root, , (1 . 8666) +2 (1. 8666) −5 (1 . 8666)− 4
𝑥 2=1 . 8666 −
in the interval . 3(1 . 8666)2 + 4 (1 .8666 )−5
Sub into both , on
(3dp) the numerator,
b) Using as a first approximation and , on the
to , apply the Newton-Raphson denominator
method procedure twice to find a
new approximation for , to 3dp.

10C
 𝑓 ( 𝑥𝑛)
𝑥𝑛+1 =𝑥 𝑛 −
𝑓 ′ ( 𝑥𝑛)

Numerical Methods
The Newton-Raphson method  If the root rounds to 1.856 to 3dp, then it must
is another technique you can be in the range 1.8555 to 1.8565
use to find roots of equations
of the form Root lies here

The diagram shows part of the 1 . 855 1 . 856 1 . 857

curve with equation , where .
 You need to sub in these limits and show that
The point , with x-coordinate , is a there is a change of sign between them…
stationary point on the curve.
The equation f(x)=0 has a root, , 3 2
in the interval . 𝑓 ( 𝑥 ) =𝑥 + 2 𝑥 −5 𝑥 − 4
Sub in Sub in

𝑥 =1 . 856
c) By considering
2 the change of ¿ − 0 . 00348 ¿ 0 .00928
sign in over an appropriate
interval, show that your answer Since the function is continuous across , and there is a
to part b is accurate to 3 decimal change of sign, the root must be within this interval – it
places must therefore round to 1.856 to 3dp!

10C
Teachings for
Exercise 10D
 Numerical Methods
You need to be able to use the 𝑓 ( 𝑥 ) =15000 ( 0 . 85 ) 𝑥 −1000 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 Sub in
techniques you have learned in (calculator
(10)
this chapter to model more 𝑓 ( 10 )=15000 ( 0 . 85 ) − 1000 sin ⁡(10) needs to be in
practical situations radians)
Calculate
𝑓 ( 10 )=3 497 .13
The price of a car in £s, x years after
purchase, is modelled by the So the value of the car will be £3497.13
function: (remember to round appropriately for pounds)

a) Use the model to find the value of

the car 10 years after purchase

10
 Numerical Methods
𝑥
You need to be able to use the 𝑓 ( 𝑥 ) =15000 ( 0 . 85 ) −1000 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥
techniques you have learned in Sub in Sub in
this chapter to model more
practical situations ¿ 534 .11 ¿ − 331. 55
Since the function changes sign across , and
The price of a car in £s, x years after there is a change of sign, there must be at least
purchase, is modelled by the one root in the interval 19-20.
function:
,

b) Show that has a root between 19

and 20

10
 Numerical Methods
You need to be able to use the 𝑥 Differentiate
𝑓 ( 𝑥 ) =15000 ( 0 . 85 ) −1000 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 with respect
techniques you have learned in
this chapter to model more to , using
practical situations techniques
you have
𝑓 ′ ( 𝑥 ) =¿ −1000 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥
15000 ( 0 . 85 )𝑥 (𝑙𝑛0 .85) learnt
previously
The price of a car in £s, x years after
purchase, is modelled by the
function:
,

c) Find

10
 𝑓 ( 𝑥𝑛)
𝑥𝑛+1 =𝑥 𝑛 −
𝑓 ′ ( 𝑥𝑛)

Numerical Methods
Sub into both ,
𝑓 ( 𝑥𝑛) on the
You need to be able to use the 𝑥𝑛+1 =𝑥 𝑛 − Write using the
techniques you have learned in 𝑓 ′ ( 𝑥 𝑛 ) appropriate numerator,
this chapter to model more numbers (if and , on the
practical situations 𝑓 ( 𝑥 0 ) needed) denominator
𝑥1 =𝑥0 −
𝑓 ′ ( 𝑥0)
15000 ( 0 . 85 )(19. 5) −1000 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ⁡(19 .5)
The price of a car in £s, x years after 𝑥1 =(19 . 5)− (19 . 5)
purchase, is modelled by the 15000 ( 0 . 85 ) ( 𝑙𝑛0 . 85 ) −1000 𝑐𝑜𝑠 ⁡(19 .5)
function:
, 𝑥1 =1 9 .528
𝑓 ′ (𝑥)=15000 ( 0 . 85 ) 𝑥 ( 𝑙𝑛0 .85 ) − 1000 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 Calculate

d) Taking 19.5 as a first

approximation, apply the Newton-
Raphson method once to find a
second approximation for the time
when the value of the car is zero.
Give your answer to 3dp

10
 𝑓 ( 𝑥𝑛)
𝑥𝑛+1 =𝑥 𝑛 −
𝑓 ′ ( 𝑥𝑛)

Numerical Methods
You need to be able to use the
techniques you have learned in
this chapter to model more
practical situations

The price of a car in £s, x years after

purchase, is modelled by the
function:
, Beyond the value calculated in part d) (19.528),
𝑓 ′ (𝑥)=15000 ( 0 . 85 ) 𝑥 ( 𝑙𝑛0 .85 ) − 1000 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 the car will take a negative value.

e) Criticise this model with respect However, this is unrealistic, so the model seems
to the value of the car as it gets unreasonable for cars that are around 20 years
older old.

10